1. A substance or drug that calms, soothes, or reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation or sleep
The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep.
O médico prescreveu um sedativo para ajudar o paciente a dormir.
2. Having a calming or soothing effect; tending to reduce nervous tension
The music had a sedative effect on the anxious crowd.
A música teve um efeito sedativo na multidão ansiosa.